Bowler Man by Peter Robinson

We are bound to feature successful photographs on our front page but at times we have the pleasure of presenting those works which perhaps didn’t fare so well in competition, yet are more than worthy of attention. Such an image is Peter Robinson’s Bowler Man, which he entered into our portraits competition at the end of last season. Peter may have lightened the eyes slightly and darkened the background but to good effect, making the figure stand out a little more and adding a twinkle to the eyes. This surreal effect is not overdone. There is a certain quality to the image, a kind of luminance and detail which I like but there are two further things which lift it; the visual design (the pose and the triangular shadow behind which echoes it) and the curious nature of the hat itself – surely not made of felt or silk! Above all though that look communicates.